RACE REPORT - SOUTH WEST ROCKS by Mick Dougherty Congratulations to those members who competed at the 25th Trial Bay Triathlon over the weekend. A race record of over 450 individuals and 50 teams faced the starter in cool overcast conditions. Our club was well represented and without doubt Steel Beveridge was the standout keeping his 100% start/finish record on track, that’s 25 straight races. Awesome effort Steel!! The weekend commenced on Saturday with the Nestle Junior Triathlon and our club was well represented with the Marle, Jacobs, Bulloch, Ylinen and Dougherty families giving their all. Congratulations to Cooper Marle and Tom Ylinen in winning their respective age groups, however as always, the highlight of the day is the Milo and Milk station where our future stars load up after (some before) their races.

There were some great performances on the Sunday with long time member Melissa Bulloch finishing outright third in the women’s section. Melissa came off a very light preparation which makes her effort even more amazing. A strong rumour is that she is now a starter for the Club Champs in April. Other age group victors were the father and son speedsters of Andrew and Clint Rowlings, Brianna Rooney and Lyn Fulton who lined up for her 22nd start. Our club registered a host of 2nd and 3rd placings, you can check these out as well as other results at:http://tiktok.biz/list/tbgtri/2014/tri/ With the event a sell out some months prior anyone intending to compete next year is advised to enter no later than mid-December. Details are available at www.trialbay.com.auRULE OF THE WEEK Swimming rules generally concern the use of propulsion devices and wetsuits. While the first rule brings up some entertaining visual images (but stands to reason), the next three rules are straight forward but very important for the safety of competitors.Rule 2 – Swimming Conduct 2.1 When wetsuits are allowed, all of the components of the wetsuit will fit to the athletes’ body tightly.2.2. A competitor may use any swimming stroke for propulsion through the water. It is permissible to tread water or float. 2.3. A competitor may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an object such as a buoy or stationary boat. However, a competitor may not make use of the bottom or an object to make forward progress. 2.4. In an emergency, a competitor should raise an arm overhead and call for assistance. Once assistance is rendered beyond the provision of an object on which to rest, the competitor must withdraw from the event. LAST CHANCE FOR CLUB CHAMPSIf you’ve been planning to go to Club Championships and haven’t paid your money for accommodation yet, this is your last chance to do so. Held on Saturday 5th April in Forster, this is always a great race in our calendar. The venue is gorgeous, the atmosphere is buzzing and the after-party is always a good night out. For $80 per person you get 2 nights’ accommodation in Forster, team t-shirt, pizza and a few bevvies after the race. You can pay directly into the club bank account. Details are BSB 704328 Account 197693 (S11 if you are transferring from a BCU account). Use your name as the reference. Remember that every competitor and volunteer counts towards our total point score. To see how the point score works click here SCODY_Triathlon_NSW_Club_Championships.htm To register as a competitor click here https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=5893154 (remember to enter the code COFFSCC2014 to get your $20 discount). To register as a volunteer click here https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=5933853MELBOURNE IM FOR TOUR DE CUREOn 23rd March, Hadley Black, Sarah Rose & Sione George, aka 'Tour de Femme' are taking part in the Melbourne Ironman as a team with a goal of raising $6,000 for Tour de Cure to help in the fight against cancer. Through their fundraising efforts they have raised $2,700 to date, and with your help could reach their target.

Any amount, no matter how small will help fight this awful disease that affects far too many people and cuts short too many lives.

Good luck girls!

ESSENTIAL GEAR How many times have you had to endure the oh-so-hilarious comments of passers-by as you do your training runs? Had enough of “Run Forrest run!” and other such genius comments from the public? Then perhaps you need to get your hands on a jacket in the latest fabric release from market leader Gore. Guaranteed to let the taunts slide off like water of a duck’s back. Check it out at http://www.runnersworld.com/fun/gore-unveils-tauntstopperr.

CHTC CLASSIFIEDSJudy Chesney has a Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll Indoor Trainer for sale, including the accompanying DVDs. It has had less than 2 hours use. The price is $300. Please contact Judy on judygaic@gmail.com if you are interested. She will also bring it along to the next club race for anyone who wants to have a look.

ONES FOR THE CALENDAR

Husky Long Course

23rd February 2014. A legendary race in a beautiful part of the world. 2km/83km/20km. See www.eliteenergy.com.au for all the details.

bcu COFFS TRI

1st & 2nd March 2014. Support this great local event and register now at www.villagesports.com.au. Kids Races (for ages 5-13) and an Enticer Tri (375m/10k/2.5k) on Saturday afternoon with the Olympic Distance Tri (1.5k/40k/10k) on Sunday morning. Don’t forget to let Mick Maley know at coffsmaley@hotmail.com if you can volunteer on either day.Ironman NZPlay weather roulette and see what the conditions at Taupo will throw at you. 1st March 2014. Some CHTC members are well into their preparation for this race that is almost local. It is in its 30th year and looks like it’s going to be a big one. http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman/new-zealand.aspx#axzz2rZaNRNRk

Sunday 30th March. The 16th annual Coffs Ocean Swims are on again with a 600m Jetty swim; 2000m harbour swim and races for kids. Register at www.villagesports.com.au.

Club Championships

5th April 2014 in Forster, the original home of Ironman Australia. A truly beautiful course, followed by a great night out with teammates and triathletes from all over NSW. Definitely not to be missed. Registrations open in January. Contact Mick Dougherty at mdoc@citycentre.com.au to register your interest and take advantage of the club-subsidised discount.